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In 1971, Leon Chua theoretically postulated that the memristor is the fourth fundamental circuit element, besides the three well-known circuit elements; namely, resistor, capacitor and inductor. For a long time, because of lack of a simple and practical realization, memristor remained just a theoretical element and rarely appeared in the literature. In 2008, a research team from HP laboratories declared that they had found a physical implementation based on thin films, behaving as a memristor. Memristor can offer new opportunities in circuit design due to its nonlinear behavior and memory. Nevertheless, since a cheap and reliable practical implementation of memristor is yet unavailable on the market, the design of such a realization, which mimics memristor behavior, is vital from the point of view of real-world circuit design. In this paper, a new microcontroller-based memristive chaotic circuit is proposed. Presented design has been implemented using an Ardunio Mega board, which solves numerically the dynamics of the memristor-based chaotic system using Runge-Kutta method. It sends the chaotic signals to the outputs of the circuit, using digital-to-analog converters. Chaotic dynamics and the strange attractors are obtained from the circuit using both, the computer simulations and the lab experiments. Considering both simulation and experimental results, it is shown that the proposed circuit mimics well the dynamics of the memristive chaotic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Linseed oil supplementation increases unsaturated TGs in milk fat. • A synergy between linseed oil and DGAT1 AA increases C54 unsaturated TGs. • Saturated TGs are associated with the formation of β'-2 crystals. • Long-chain unsaturated TGs are associated with thicker lamellae but not nanoplatelets. • DGAT1 KK is associated with increments for odd-chain saturated TGs, high melting TGs and α-2 crystals. We studied the effect of dietary linseed oil (LSO) supplementation and DGAT1 K232A (DGAT1) polymorphism on the triacylglycerol composition and crystallization of bovine milk fat. LSO supplementation increased unsaturated triacylglycerols, notably in the C52–C54 carbon range, while reducing the saturated C29–C49 triacylglycerols. These changes were associated with an increase in the low-melting fraction and the crystal lamellar thickness, as well as a reduction in the medium and high-melting fractions and the formation of the most abundant crystal type at 20 °C (β'-2 polymorph). Furthermore, DGAT1 KK was associated with higher levels of odd-chain saturated triacylglycerols than DGAT1 AA, and it was also associated with an increase in the high-melting fraction and the endset melting temperature. An interaction between diet and DGAT1 for the unsaturated C54 triacylglycerols accentuated the effects of LSO supplementation with DGAT1 AA. These findings show that genetic polymorphism and cows' diet can have considerable effects on milk fat properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our environment is full of radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic radiation due to rapid progress of wireless communication technologies, which have many applications, such as base stations of mobile communication networks and wireless internet antennas. In the context of Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) discipline, the word shield is used to describe any sort of metal sheet or material capable of reflecting, refracting or absorbing electromagnetic radiation (EMR), which is custom manufactured for the target electronic device casing, in a way to intervene any radiation passing to and from the device. Examining of electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE) is an important part of not only ensuring electromagnetic compatibility and of protecting electrical and electronic equipment but also protection of human beings against electromagnetic energy exposure as well. In this study, after a brief introduction and review on electromagnetic shielding, material selection and their applications for an indoor environment protection against electromagnetic radiation are explained. Potential electromagnetic shielding values of fabrics found in the market have been analyzed and compared by considering various criteria and requirements. Experimental results show that around 20 dB shielding effectiveness values can be obtained using test fabrics for a typical indoor environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal degradation of zearalenone (ZEA) was investigated using a crust-like model, representing maize bread, which was prepared with naturally contaminated maize flour. Model samples were heated under isothermal conditions at the temperature range of 100–250°C. No reduction was observed at 100°C. Thermal degradation rate constants (k) were calculated as 0.0017, 0.0143 and 0.0216 min−1for 150, 200 and 250°C, respectively. Maize bread baked at 250°C for 70 min was used to test the capability of model kinetic data for the prediction of ZEA reduction. The time–temperature history in the crust and crumb parts was recorded separately. Partial degradation of ZEA at each time interval was calculated by means of the correspondingk-values obtained by using the Arrhenius equation, and the total reduction occurring at the end of the entire baking process was predicted. The reduction in the crumb and crust of bread was also experimentally determined and found to be consistent with the predicted values. It was concluded that the kinetic constants determined by means of the crust-like model could be used to predict the ZEA reduction occurring during baking of maize bread. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: To demonstrate long-term changes in the prevalence of several types of metabolic derangements in subjects with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas. Subjects and Methods: 273 subjects with adrenal adenomas, including 231 with nonfunctioning adenoma and 42 with subclinical Cushing's syndrome (sCS), were evaluated with respect to anthropometric and laboratory characteristics and prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome (MS), prediabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Median duration was 24 months. Follow-up data of 114 participants with nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas are also presented while those of 117 were missing. Follow-up data regarding changes in anthropometric and laboratory parameters and prevalence rates of metabolic disturbances were obtained from the medical records. Results: The prevalence rates for both patients with nonfunctioning adenoma and sCS were: dyslipidemia: 161 (59%), hypertension: 147 (54%), MS: 128 (47%), prediabetes: 62 (23%), T2DM: 49 (18%), and CVD: 21 (8%). Hypertension and CVD were prevalent in subjects with sCS compared to participants with nonfunctioning adenoma. In follow-up, body mass index (p = 0.005), systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.005), homeostasis model assessment (p = 0.046), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.023), total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001) and prevalence of hypertension (p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), prediabetes (p < 0.001) and MS (p < 0.01) significantly increased in subjects with nonfunctioning adenoma. Conclusion: The data showed that nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas were associated with the development or deterioration of atherosclerotic risk factors. Therefore, follow-up and management strategies should be developed to decrease atherosclerotic morbidity in those individuals. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The primary goal of this study is to evaluate predictors of nodular goiter in Graves Disease (GD).Materials and Methods: A total of 202 consecutive patients (mean age: 45; 145 female, 57 male) were enrolled. All patients were treated with antithyroid drugs as initial therapy. TSH, FT3, FT4, TRAb, ATPO, and ATG were measured. Radioactive iodine uptake and thyroid ultrasonography were performed, and thyroid volume and nodule diameter were assessed. Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration was performed on thyroid nodules >/= 8mm.Results: Diffuse goiter was detected in 5% of patients. Solitary nodules were detected in 16%, and multi-nodular disease in 33%. Mean nodule diameter was 8.82 mm. Nodular disease was slightly more common in women (p=0.063). Patients with nodular GD were older (p=0.004), had lower levels of FT3 (p=0.016) and TRAB (p=0.002) when compared with subjects with diffuse GD. Age (OR:6.867) was the independent variable predicting nodular GD.Conclusion: Increased prevalence of nodules was associated with advanced age and milder thyrotoxicosis. Apoptosis of thyroid follicular cells due to excess iodine might interfere with nodule formation, and lead to diffuse goiter in severe thyrotoxicosis. Because of increased rate if malignancy in GD, comprehensive evaluation of thyroid nodules of any size is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: It is known that women with prior history of gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM) feature obesity, insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction which cause premature atherosclerosis. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) is a key cytokine in obesity and insulin resistance and also play important roles in the development of atherosclerosis. This study was conducted to demonstrate the serum TGF-β1 levels of people with pGDM. Thirty women with pGDM, 20 women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 20 healthy women were enrolled. Serum TGF-β1 levels of people with pGDM were found to be significantly higher than healthy controls and significantly lower than women with T2DM. TGF-β1 levels were found to be correlated with postprandial glucose and age and inversely correlated with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. On multiple regression analysis postprandial glucose level, age and BMI were determined as the most important factors affecting TGF-β1 levels. This sudy demonstrates elevated TGF-β1 levels in pGDM. The inflammatory response to hyperglycemia and insulin resistance could be the major factors for the increased expression of TGF-β1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Focuses on the development of computer program based on matrix method to generate extinction cross sections of realistic raindrops. Applicability of interpolation; Establishment of a data bank; Calculation of the corresponding refractive index.

Investigates the problems of plane wave diffraction by an impedance half-plane in cold plasma. Formulation of the boundary-value problem; Reduction of the matrix Wiener-Hopf equation; Accounts on the element of the tensor of dielectric permittivity.

Purpose. To investigate the association between papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Design. This study is a retrospective study that conducted during 7 consecutive years with a median 119.5 months follow-up. Subjects and Method. Patients who underwent thyroidectomy in Dokuz Eylül University Hospital during 7 consecutive years were included. Patients' demographics, biochemical, radiological, and pathological results were retrospectively assessed. Results. Four hundred sixty nine patients were evaluated. Among 469 patients who underwent thyroidectomy, 132 (28.1%) were malignant, while 182 patients were diagnosed with HT (38.8%). PTC was ranked first at 92.4% (n: 122). The prevalence of HT was 54.9% in patients with PTC and 33.1% in patients without PTC diagnosis (p<0.001). Younger age and the presence of HT were independently associated with PTC. The presence of HT was associated with increased risk of development of PTC (OR: 2.2, %95 CI: 1.4-3.5, p<0.001) but not with TNM stage or recurrence. Lymph node metastasis at presentation was the strongest predictor of recurrence (OR: 13.9, CI: 3.5-54.6, p<0.001) Conclusions. HT was an independent risk factor for development of PTC. According to our findings, HT patients (particularly with nodular HT) should be observed carefully and thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (TFNAB) should be encouraged if necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-plated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples were prepared by an electroless coating method followed by hot pressing. The concentration of Ni in the composites was varied between 3.98 and 10.88 in volume percentage. XRD results revealed that Ni coating was successfully realized on the surface of UHWMPE particles confirmed by SEM–EDS. Ni thickness on the UHMWPE particles has thickness of 2 μm and there was also self-precipitated Ni plates as well as additive Ni particles according to SEM. Hardness values of Ni-coated UHMWPE–Ni composites increased 30% with increasing Ni content. The EMI-SE of the composite increased from 49 up to 70 dB by increasing Ni content for both X and Ku-band with respect to Ni concentration. Our samples, performed very high shielding within X band and also Ku band compared to most of other reports in the open literature, can be suitable for high-performance requirements especially in aerospace applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a female patient who presented with Graves disease and a neck mass. Radiological characteristics of the mass suggested thymic hyperplasia. She was treated with methimazole, and because the mass did not regress after six months of therapy, the patient had total thyroidectomy and thymectomy. Pathological examination was consistent with chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and thymic hyperplasia. Microscopic changes in the thymus can be detected in one third of patients with Graves disease, but massive enlargement is rare. It has been reported that regression occurs in most patients after a euthyroid state has been achieved; however, in some patients, thymectomy may be indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammatory thyroid disease, which is treated by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroids. Objective. Defining characteristics of patients with subacute thyroiditis at diagnosis and during follow-up. Investigating the efficacies of NSAID and different doses of steroids and their effects on rates of relapse, recurrence, development of hypothyroidism and on quality of life and sleep parameters. Design. A 3-year observational study in a tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods. A total of 63 patients with subacute thyroiditis were included. Clinical outcomes of patients treated with NSAIDs and NSAID unresponsive patients treated with prednisolone with initial doses of 0.5 mg/kg/day and 15 mg/day were evaluated. Results. White blood cell count at diagnosis was an independent predictor of NSAID unresponsiveness. No relapse or recurrence was observed in patients receiving low dose of steroids. Long symptom duration until diagnosis and treatment with NSAIDs were associated with development of hypothyroidism. Subacute thyroiditis caused significant deterioration in quality of life and sleep of patients and low dose of steroid was as effective as higher doses in improving these parameters. Conclusions. For patients with no response to NSAID therapy, an initial low dose of prednisolone (15 mg/day) is determined as a safe treatment method when dose reduction is performed with appropriate timing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Immunoassays are vulnerable to occasional analytical errors despite their sensitivity and specificity. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is among hormones which are vulnerable to assay interference. Objective. In this case report, we aimed to present a case of ACTH interference in a patient with subclinical hypercortisolism. Case report. We present a case of subclinical hypercortisolism with unexpectedly elevated levels of ACTH in whom interference was shown by different biochemical methods. It is important for the clinician to keep in mind the possibility of interference when clinical and laboratory results are discordant. The communication between the clinician and laboratory staff is important while interpreting results. This case report shows that ACTH interference should be considered in patients with subclinical hypercortisolism who have unexpectedly high levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerebral edema is a life-threatening complication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) which may predominantly develop in pediatric cases during the management of DKA.. Symptomatic cerebral edema in children is rarely detected at admission, before initiation of the treatment. Cerebral edema associated with DKA is extremely rare in adults. Here, we report an adult patient with DKA who presented with symptomatic cerebral edema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet function analysis have been studied before in acromegaly, but the effect of treatment on both parameters has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate MPV and platelet function analysis in acromegalic patients after sixmonths of treatment. Methods. Forty patients with active acromegaly and 36 healthy subjects were included in the study. Plasma glucose and lipids, fibrinogen, GH, IGF-1 levels, MPV and platelet function analysis were measured. All patients with acromegaly were re-evaluated six months after treatment. Results. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), GH, IGF- 1, fibrinogen levels and MPV values were significantly higher in acromegalic group compared with the control. Platelet function was enhanced significantly (pcol-ADP: 0.002, pcolepinephrine: 0.002). After 6 months of treatment FBG, serum GH, IGF-1, fibrinogen and MPV decreased and collagen/ADP- and collagen/epinephrine-closure times (CT) were increased. Acromegalic patients that were in remission with long-acting SSA after surgery had significantly higher fibrinogen levels and MPV and decreased collagen/ epinephrine-CT with respect to the controls (pfibrinogen: 0.001, pMPV: 0.026, pcol-epinephrine: 0.037). Conclusion. Acromegaly was associated with increased MPV and enhanced platelet activity. Although growth hormone hypersecretion was controlled by surgery and medical treatment, these parameters did not improve - indicating a still increased risk for cardiovascular events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the treatment of a 30-year-old man with lower abdominal and back pain. The man presented with lower abdominal and back pain, nausea, vomiting, and a significant weight loss. He also complained of persistent fever and night sweats. On physical examination he was noted to be jaundiced. Imaging studies performed subsequently demonstrated ascites and a heterogeneous, hypovascular mass in the proximal pancreatic body and neck. An ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of the pancreatic mass was performed. Smears were air-dried and stained with Diff-Quik for immediate on-site evaluation and wet-fixed in ethanol for subsequent Papanicolaou staining. Smears were hypercellular and comprised predominantly relatively large and pleomorphic, discohesive single cells.

Presents a pathologic case study of primary high-grade leiomyosarcoma of the inferior vena cava seen in a middle-aged man with hypertension. Clinical history of the patient; Results of physical and laboratory examinations performed on the patient; Background on the disease.

Objective: Although metformin crosses the placenta, there is no current evidence whether the use of metformin in pregnancy is associated with increased risk of fetal and maternal complications. The aim of this present study is to investigate the attitudes of Turkish physicians in different specialties in terms of metformin use in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: Current opinions were assessed by a questionnaire. Nine hundred forty physicians were invited to join the study; however, completely fulfilled questionnaires could be obtained from a total of 407 physicians (170 family physicians, 139 internists and 98 obstetricians). Results: One hundred fifty-one physicians (37.1%) stated that they recommended metformin use in pregnancy for any of the indications (pregnant women with PCOS, type-2 diabetes or gestational diabetes). Obstetricians were more likely to suggest metformin use in pregnancy rather than other physicians. Metformin use in pregnancy was seldom recommended by internists. The rationales of physicians for the metformin use were: lower risk for abortion, decreased prevalence of maternal and neonatal complications, improvement in insulin resistance, prevention of excess weight gain, better glycemic control in diabetics and decreased insulin need in diabetics taking insulin. Conclusions: Despite limited data on metformin use in pregnancy, significant number of physicians in Turkey supported the metformin use. Obstetricians were the ones most likely to recommend metformin treatment in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the case study of a man suffering from bladder cancer. The man, Hubert Humphrey, was admitted to Bethesda Naval Hospital due to hematuria in May 1967. The condition of his bladder was found to be consistent with chronic proliferative cystitis. A biopsy of his prostatic urethra revealed a borderline malignancy for which he received radiation therapy.

Several letters to the editor are presented discussing various cases related to diabetes including one discussing serum sickness-like reactions associated with type III insulin allergy responding to plasmapheresis and the other claiming that mutations in IAPP and NEUROG3genes are not a common cause of permanent neonatal, infancy or childhood-onset diabetes.